Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 047 Hazard: ERGONOMIC

1)Tools designed to reduce the risk of MSDs. 2)Tool balancers mounted on suspension lines and held by clamps and/or strong magnets to support the weight of tools when working on long vertical surfaces. 3)Articulated arms and levers mounted on guard rails of man lifts which can be used to support the weight of tools. 4)Padded areas on the top rails of man lifts where employees can rest and brace their arms during the job task. 5)Greater use of the flexible welding/grinding system developed by in-house workers and engineers. 6)Tool storage holsters on man lifts to provide a place to set tools close to the work area when alternating between grinding and gouging tasks or when resting. 7)Where appropriate wrap tools with tape or other coating to increase the grip or tackiness of the tool handle. This will reduce the cold conduction from the tool to the hands and may improve the coefficient of friction between the hand and tool to reduce tool slippage. b)Some examples of administrative controls include: 1)Develop an evaluation protocol for new tools which should consider the tool's weight, vibration, center of gravity (tool balance when used), torque, durability, costs, maintenance, life- cycle, ability to conduct cold to the hand, handle size, shape, alignment, and composition (manufacturers are likely to have much of this information). a.All tools should be evaluated by the same criteria. b.Periodic tool evaluations should be conducted to identify patterns in tool usage to screen out tools that do not meet the performance and ergonomic features. 2)Develop and implement a tool management and maintenance program which: a.Tracks tool usage (i.e., sign out, sign in, tool maintenance cycle time, etc.) to determine when tools need to be turned in for maintenance. b.Develop a preventive maintenance cycle that tracks time usage of tools (for example, a tool timer) and assures that tool vibration is maintained per the manufacturers' recommendations. c.Evaluate and implement vibration isolating or reducing techniques. Mass, vibration counter balancing, damping and preventive maintenance of worn out tool mechanical features (i.e., veins, bearings) should be considered. c)Some examples of work practice controls include: 1)Minimize the amount of time and weight that tools must be manually supported, especially when held out and away from the body. 2)Evaluate the current method of sequencing work within the process. When possible, obstructions should not be placed in rooms, compartments, or chambers until the end of the process. 3)Work-rotation schedules, based on task evaluation, to minimize the amount of time spent performing hazardous tasks such as, but not limited to: a.Using pneumatic power tools; b.Supporting tool weight, especially over head or out and away from the body; c.Controlling powered tools especially overhead or out and away from the body; d.Awkward body postures, such as reaching under, around, or behind items such as pipes, vents, or other obstructions. 4)Implement a conditioning and rotation schedule for new employees, injured employees returning to the job, and/or employees returning from leave or other absences. d)Some examples of personal protective equipment include: 1)Appropriately sized gloves that provide warmth, performance and function, including an appropriate coefficient of friction to improve hand grip of tools. 2)Gloves with anti-vibration characteristics to help reduce vibration- related musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. Work Site Analysis Work site analysis including the development and use of ergonomic evaluation tools and employee questionnaires. 1)Work site analysis conducted by persons with the appropriate education, training and experience to identify and evaluate ergonomic stressors, personal protective equipment, and engineering, administrative and work practice controls needed for abatement. 2)Work site analysis including a job analysis of all tasks and workplace procedures to identify all ergonomic stressors and the body part(s) affected. Training And Education 1)General ergonomic training addressing the risk factors that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), the signs and symptoms of MSDs, and how to prevent the occurrence of MSDs including the use of personal protective equipment, engineering, administrative, and work practice controls. 2)Task specific training addressing the hazards associated with the tasks each employee performs. 3)Development of metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of training in understanding and preventing MSDs. These metrics include the understanding of causes and prevention methods for MSDs.4)Retraining performed at least annually and as operations change. 5)Additional training for managers and employee representatives who have the day to day responsibility for monitoring and enforcing the company's ergonomics activities. The additional training should be sufficient to assure competency in the oversight and control of the work within their areas of responsibility. 6)Training conducted by persons with appropriate education, training and experience.